Sunday May 20th, 2018 - Thursday May 31st, 2018 Natalina's Taste of Puglia Sunday May 20th International Overnight Flight to Bari, Italy Monday May 21st Group Arrival Airport Transfer Arrival Giovinazzo Italy, Bari S. Martin Hotel (3 nights) Welcome Dinner - Giovinazzo Tuesday May 22nd Wednesday May 23rd Thursday May 24th Friday May 25th Saturday May 26th Castel del Monte Burrata Cheese Experience Bari Walking Tour Culinary Adventure in Masseria Giovinazzo Stroll Bread Making Expereince - Altamura Materna, Basilicata UNESCO World Heritage Site. Trulli Holiday (3 nights) Group Evening Dinner in Alberobello Monopoli Italy Polognaro a Mare Tour of Martina Franca Town of Cisterno Local Artisan Food Shop - Alberobello Ancient Olive Grove & Tasting 1
Sunday May 27th Ancient Olive Grove & Tasting Tour of Ostuni Suite Hotel Santa Chiara (3 nights) Monday May 28th Explore Lecce Lunch at local family restaurant - Lecce Tuesday May 29th Tradtional Vino Experience with an Annotated Lunch Enjoy Free Time in Lecce Wednesday May 30th Thursday May 31st Cooking Experience with Lunch Parco dei Principi (1 night) Departing Airport Transfer Value (Total in CDN) Itinerary Inclusions Itinerary Exclusions Contact for Booking: Sunday May 20th International Overnight Flight to Bari, Italy Monday May 21st Group Arrival Airport Transfer Welcome to Italy. You will be transferred to your host hotel where you can check in and get ready for your welcome group dinner. 2
Arrival Giovinazzo Italy, Bari Located 25km north of Bari, Giovinazzo is a small picturesque fishing village on the Adriatic Sea that boasts a 17th Century Castle and a 12-13th Century Romanesque cathedral. S. Martin Hotel +39 080 394 2627 70054 Giovinazzo Metropolitan City of Bari, Italy http://s.martinhotel.it/ May 21 May 24 3 nights Check-in Check-out Duration The historical town of Giovinazzo, called Natiolum during the Roman Empire, is nowadays a charming seaside town closed to Bari; it has been mentioned throughout centuries by its most eminent fellow citizens such as William of Apulia (a chronicler of the Normans) and the medieval writer Matteo Spinelli. Once Benedictine nuns abbey (XI Cent.), the St. Martin Hotel, is today a precious chest where treasures like the ancient gate of the town (VII-III Cent. B.C.) and remains of the early Christian Episcopal church (III Cent. A.D.) are locked for. 3
Room Selection Room Description Guests-rooms are decorated in period style furnishings with Caravaggio s style paintings; you will enjoy the sun and the breathless view from our fitted terraces, overlooking the Mediterranean sea (10 mt distance), the Gargano Peninsula, Castel del Monte (the 13th Cent. Fredric II Castle - UNESCO Heritage) and the Romanesque-style Train s Cathedral Welcome Dinner - Giovinazzo Tonight gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the town of Giovinazzo. Tonight will set the stage for what is to come as you traverse through the Puglia indulging and experiencing in the rich history and flavours of this region in Italy, Tuesday May 22nd Castel del Monte When the Emperor Frederick II built this castle near Bari in the 13th century, he imbued it with symbolic significance, as reflected in the location, the mathematical and astronomical precision of the layout and the perfectly regular shape. A unique piece of medieval military architecture, Castel del Monte is a successful blend of elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient and north European Cistercian Gothic. 4
Burrata Cheese Experience Perhaps just as important with a visit to Castel del Monte in Andria - is the fact that this town is the capital of Burrata cheese. What is Burrata cheese? Well it s a hybrid of mozzarella and cream in simple terms - a little piece of heaven. The outer shell is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains stracciatella and cream, giving it a soft texture. And it s delicious! We will be visiting a family run farm to see how this cheese is made and also enjoy a light lunch here. Bari Walking Tour Bari is a city located on the south eastern coast of Italy facing the Adriatic see and opposite Dubrovnik in Croatia. With a population of 320,400 it serves as the second largest economic centre of the southern region of Italy behind Naples. The old town centre of Bari is nestled around the harbour and the wider residential and business area spreads out from this point into the mainland. In early years, Bari was part of the Roman Empire and served as a major gateway to the Adriatic Sea, as time progressed its importance continued and the cities ownership changed hands many times during incidents such as the Siege of Bari in 1071 and the Bari Civil War in 1117. 5
Wednesday May 23rd Culinary Adventure in Masseria Giovinazzo Stroll To cap off the day we will meet with a local who will take us through the streets of Giovinazzo to explain the history of this quaint town. As a treat, will meet with the Architect and owner of S. Martin hotel who will explain the restoration process and tour of his personal gem. 6
Thursday May 24th Bread Making Expereince - Altamura For centuries in local agricultural society each family used to prepare a large dough of bread at home. They would then take it to a public oven or 'forno a legna' where it would cook with others made by families from the rest of the village. To avoid confusion the baker would mark each piece of bread with the name of its owner. When baked each family knew which loaf was their's. Although it is more romantic to think that the baker would call out the names one by one as he distributed the finished product. The main characteristic of Altamura bread is its shelf life. It can last one or even two weeks and the averge loaf is a kilo in weight. This was to guarantee sustenance for the workers in the sparse fields of the Murgie. Such was the filling nature of the bread their weekly diet consisted of little more than bread, olive oil and water. Today we will experience the love and technique that goes into making this delicious and this staple which has been in the families for centuries. Materna, Basilicata UNESCO World Heritage Site. Matera can be described in so many words such as interesting, unusual, memorable and believe it or not - less travelled. And 7
Matera can be described in so many words such as interesting, unusual, memorable and believe it or not - less travelled. And that s a big bonus for us. This gem of Basilicata boasts a number of cave dwelling districts known as the sassi. Rich in history, this tour will require sturdy, closed toe walking shoes and an ability to climb many stairs but it is well worth it! Our lunch will be served antipasto style! Trulli Holiday +39 080 432 5970 Piazza Curri, 1, 70011 Alberobello BA, Italy http://www.trulliholiday.com/ Image credits: Trulli Holiday May 24 May 27 3 nights Check-in Check-out Duration Nestled in the magic scenery of Trulli, located in a town in the hills of Valle d'itria, Trulli Holiday offers the opportunity to stay in historic Unesco World Heritage Site homes, as an alternative to the classic Hotel in Alberobello. The Trulli's are carefully restored and furnished according to tradition without neglecting the comfort and refinement, as well as, upholding the authentic beauty and its rich and fascinating history. Group Evening Dinner in Alberobello This evening we will gather together for our welcome dinner in this enchanted village. 8
Friday May 25th Monopoli Italy After breakfast, we ll drive to the tiny seaside town of Monopoli - not to be confused with the game, boasts 19 medieval churches and countless cobblestone alleys in the old town centre alone. Another beautiful harbour with plenty of history. A lunch is included here. Polognaro a Mare After lunch we ll depart for Polignano a Mare. Perched atop a 20 metre-high limestone cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, Polignano a Mare truly lives up to its name with breathtaking views. It is also known for being the birthplace of singer, Domenico Modugno, the vocalist famous for the song...nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu (we know it as Volare )! But let s not forget about its most well known food item that everyone surely would have as a main course - Gelato! Speaking of food experiences, we ll be sampling the best Gelato in all of Italy. Your dinner and evening is on own. 9
Saturday May 26th Tour of Martina Franca An exploration of the lovely Valle d Itria (trulli country!) would not be complete without a visit to Martina Franca, the largest town in the area. More buzzing than its three illustrious neighbours, Alberobello, Locorotondo and Cisternino, it has long been the commercial centre of the area, ever since Philip of Anjou granted it tax free status and various other privileges in 1310. With Franca now appended to its name, old Martina was soon attracting new residents, including noble families and businessmen. Elegant palaces (at least 20 of note) and churches (over 15) began springing up throughout the old centre, testimony to the new-found wealth that was flowing into the town. Town of Cisterno Lunch will be enjoyed in the nearby town of Cisternino where barbecue is king. You don't need to go to a restaurant to eat in Cisternino, however, as the town is famous for its barbecuing butchers! All you have to do is choose your meat - maybe the local speciality, bombette, little meat parcels filled with mince, ham and cheese - and take a seat outside with a carafe of local wine. The butcher will then barbecue your chosen goodies and bring them out to you when ready. It s truly local and delicious eating experience! 10
Local Artisan Food Shop - Alberobello After lunch we ll head back to Alberobello for a tour and visit with a local artisan food shop for tastings and an opportunity to buy local products that you can take home or have shipped. Dinner is on own this evening. Sunday May 27th Ancient Olive Grove & Tasting The Masseria is located on a farm of about 30 hectares where organic extra virgin olive oil is produced from the monumental millennial olive trees. It is one of the oldest and original of Apulia, and with the assistance of documented testimonies from previous generations, current owners and the specialized guides it is possible to experience this magical journey through time. This ancient roman Period experience will be one to remember. 11
Tour of Ostuni The "Old Town" is Ostuni's citadel built on top of a hill and still fortified by the ancient walls. Ostuni is commonly referred to as "the White Town" (La Città Bianca in Italian) for its white walls and its typically white-painted architecture. Monuments in their own right, the town's largest buildings are the Ostuni Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace, together with a number of palazzi of local aristocratic families. Suite Hotel Santa Chiara +39 0832 304998 Via degli Ammirati, 24, 73100 Lecce LE, Italy http://www.santachiaralecce.it/ May 27 May 30 3 nights Check-in Check-out Duration Room Selection Room Description Suite Santa Chiara is a 4-star boutique hotel located in Lecce s historical centre, 100 metres from the cathedral. The roof garden on the 4th floor has a bar, outdoor seating and views of the historic centre. Rooms are very elegant and nicely decorated with soothing tones. 12
Monday May 28th Explore Lecce This morning we ll enjoy a familiarization tour of Lecce. Rich in history and architecture, there are many sites to see including ruins, fountains, museum and churches. Well known for its Baroque style, Lecce is also famous for its papier-mâché art. This art form has been popular here since the 17th Century - with it being closely connected with its citizen s veneration of the catholic church. You ll see masterpieces displayed in numerous churches across Puglia but be sure to visit the Church of Santa Chiara here in Lecce to see the papier-mâché decorations that adorn its ceiling. You ll have an opportunity to visit one of the local artisan shops as well as the museum dedicated to this art if you wish on your own time. Lunch will be enjoyed at a lovely family run restaurant whose recipes have been recognized as being so authentic that they have received attention from the UNESCO body. Dinner is on your own today. Think of all the neat food stories that we will share the next day, the conversations had with locals, and the show and tell from your shopping finds! Other activities that can be enjoyed include an afternoon at a local beach or even a bicycle tour (at an additional cost). Lunch at local family restaurant - Lecce This family restaurant, located in the heart of Lecce, a short walk to the historic centre, provides a pleasant warm and welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant has become a fixed stop for lovers of good cooking and for the finest gourmet. Here you can entertain yourself in a convivial atmosphere, among the pleasures of good eating and good drinking. Tiziana and Piero, the owners, use their raw materials of good quality, coming from local producers of trusted and trustworthy 13
Tiziana and Piero, the owners, use their raw materials of good quality, coming from local producers of trusted and trustworthy products. They will marvel at you, giving you great satisfactions, with a refined menu and excellent service: from tasty hors d'oeuvres, to traditional Salento and regional dishes, to various homemade sweets. Tuesday May 29th Tradtional Vino Experience with an Annotated Lunch At the beginning of the XX century Masseria Li Veli was a cellar built on the ruins of a late Medieval structure, traces of which can still be seen in the present building. The estate is situated just outside Cellino San Marco, half way between Brindisi and Lecce, a land with a long and fascinating history which started more than 2500 years ago. The vineyards cover a total area of 33 hectares, mainly cultivated with native alberello trained vines, at a high density planting (5120 plants per hectare). The layout is the settonce. This pattern was invented by Roman military engineers who for a long time used the Latin square layout, later adopting the quinconce and finally the settonce (ordo septuncialis). Enjoy Free Time in Lecce This afternoon explore the town of Lecce Italy. Tonight we will gather for our farewell dinner 14
Wednesday May 30th Cooking Experience with Lunch After our breakfast, we ll check out of our hotel and head back towards Bari however, we ll make an all too important stop for our final food experience at a farm estate. Led by the farmer, we ll dive into the heart of Apulian cuisine, putting your fingers literally in the pie. We ll prepare dough with bran and flour, adding just enough salt and water, giving life to three. orecchiette, cavatelli and strascinate pasti. Our lesson will be topped with stories dedicated to the farm s production of different types of wheat and local history. Our cooking and lunch experience will be complemented by local wines and other traditional flavours of Puglia such as homemade Rosoli, a local liqueur made from rose petals. We ll continue this afternoon with our drive to Bari to check into our final hotel located near the airport. We ll gather at the hotel for optional evening cocktails and shared platters as we celebrate a wonderful experience in Puglia! Our next adventure and challenge is to bring back home what we learned to share with family and friends! Parco dei Principi Phone: +39 080 539 4811 Viale Europa, 6, 70128 Bari, Italy May 30 May 31 1 night Check-in Check-out Duration 15
Notes Parco dei Principi Hotel is located at the entrance of the Bari Karol Wojtlya airport, next to the motorway junctions and urban road links, thanks to its strategic position and its wide range of services, it is able to satisfy every kind of stay and customer requirement. Thursday May 31st Departing Airport Transfer Today you depart Italy as you look back at all the culinary and historical influences you will be able to share with friends and family. Vviaggi sicuri e non vediamo l'ora di vederti di nuovo. Ciao Value (Total in CDN) Double Occupancy $4,839.00 pp Single Occupancy - $5,469.00 pp Itinerary Inclusions Group Airport Transfers (Pre and Post Airport Transfers not included but can be arranged) Accommodations in 3 & 4 star properties Most Meals (10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 4 dinners) All Taxes, meal gratuities and gratuities for local guides and coach driver All guided tours outlined in the itinerary Hosted by Natalina Bombino Campagnolo Itinerary Exclusions Attractions and meals not identified in the itinerary Round-trip airfare and medical/travel insurance (Arrangements can be made if requested) Transfers to and from airport in North America (Arrangements can be made if requested) Gratuities for Hotel Staff Contact for Booking: Exclusively Malta (Division of Maxima Tours Ltd) - 800 598 5474 or info@maxima.net 16